JOB SUMMARY:

As a member of the Quality and Production Teams, Quality Assurance (QA) Technicians are responsible to ensure materials, processes, and final product meet quality specifications, and for supporting and maintaining quality systems and standards. All team members take an active role in the areas of Safety, Quality and Productivity. Strong analytical and critical thinking, communication, and team skills are essential for success in this position.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS: 

• Operate in work groups and monitor processes within an assigned area of responsibility
• Collect and analyze sample data to ensure product conformance and process control
• Monitor customer specifications to ensure proper moisture, weight, color and dimension of products produced
• Monitor Preventative Controls and reports non-conformance to management; may assist with corrective actions
• Monitor and provide guidance to production employees to ensure sanitation requirements are met during production
• Initiate food safety and quality hold procedures, including communication and required record-keeping
• Conduct regular plant food safety and security audits, and reports non-conformance
• Act as auditor and verifier of daily quality tasks throughout the processing area
• Monitor production employees to ensure GMP compliance and reports violations
• Participate in sensory panels

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES:

• BS in a related field preferred, or equivalent experience
• Prior experience in a Food Processing facility, in Quality or in a role closely related to Quality is preferred
• Ability to use and navigate Microsoft Office
• Understanding of basic mathematical calculations, reading numbers and symbols, and record keeping
• Patience and the ability to communicate in a diverse work environment
• Ability to understand and communicate instructions in English
• Ability to work in a fast paced, deadline-driven environment

• Ability to manage time effectively, plan, and organize work efficiently
• Ability to maintain focus and attention to detail, consistently
• Ability to follow established SOPs
• Must be able to work a flexible schedule, including weekends and overtime as needed
• Ability and willingness to learn and apply company standards including, but not limited to lock-out/tag-out, safety practices, GMPs, SOPs, employee handbook, etc.

WORKING CONDITIONS/PHYSICAL FACTORS:

• Positions require standing, repetitive movement, bending and twisting, and using hands to handle objects; exposure to sustained noise levels; working in very hot temperatures; exposure to hazards such as machinery, slippery floors, ladders and powered industrial vehicles. May be required to wear personal protective equipment (PPE).
• Ability to stand for 95-100% of shift, sometimes up to 12 hours
• Able to work in environment containing nuts, peanuts, dairy, grains and other allergens
• Must have the ability to perform repetitive tasks quickly and accurately
• Must be available for all shifts, nights, weekends, some holidays, occasional overtime, if necessary

Other Duties as Assigned: This job description is not intended to be all inclusive, but to serve as a guideline. Management retains the right to determine additions or changes to job responsibilities.